Blair wins terror vote

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Britain's House of Commons early today narrowly voted in favour
of a controversial anti-terror bill despite fierce opposition and
only after the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair made key
concessions.

The measures will now go to the House of Lords for debate by its
appointed members.

MPs voted 272 to 219 for the measures that will allow terrorist
suspects to be put under limited house arrest without trial,
slashing the government's 161-seat majority in the House of Commons
to just 53.

The size of the revolt signals further problems ahead for
ministers in the House of Lords where, without further concessions,
the draft legislation faces a severe mauling and even defeat.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke is rushing the Prevention of
Terrorism Bill through parliament before the old powers lapse in
mid-March.